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Summary - it’s really difficult to assess these games because the teams are a mishmash of NHL players, players headed to jr, and those that are AHL bound. It looked like Compher was ready to make plays and looked a lot sharper than Copp did the night before. Edvinsson is having moments, but unless he’s going to grab at least 2nd pairing minutes in Detroit is it better for him to take some time in the AHL? Sprong is definitely not afraid to shoot the puck, and it seems like there are a lot more right shot options than in the past several years.
Veleno looked strong skating and making contact in all 3 zones. One of the last of Ken Holland’s picks left, Veleno has put on the right kind of weight and picked up his game. The questions becomes, where is he the most valuable? Is he going to break out of the bottom 6, or is his combination of speed and physicality with a low cap hit enough for Detroit to acquire assets or another player?
Regardless, Fabbri put on a show in the final 3 minutes scoring 2 of 3 needed goals getting Detroit to within 1 of the Caps. Detroits inability to clear the puck from their own zone gave John Carlson the game winner. Much like we’ve seen from this team in the past, they can turn up the heat but sometimes it’s too late to salvage the game.
This is still just the preseason. Cossa still has to find either confidence or positioning adjustments. As far as players that could make decisions more difficult, Edvinsson is knocking on the door at times. If the 6’6” Dman can pick up on physicality, consistency and decision making with the puck it feels like there’s a chance.
Saturday’s tilt will likely see more of Detroit’s A-list and no guarantee that Ovi will make the trip to Motown. It wouldn’t be surprising to see some releases before Saturday’s match up as some players may look ready to head off to their respective leagues. Game #3 should be a better idea of what the team will look like in the regular season. Let’s see what’s been put together for this year.
First Period:
Missed the first 5 minutes due to mix up on where to view. Finally got it. Score still 0-0. With 14:07 left Detroit has 0 shots, Washington has 2. First shot comes with 12:45 left. With 6:06 left Edvinsson drew a penalty for Detroit’s first power play. Some nice skating by the big Dman. Good work by Detroit. Compher had some nice handing to keep a play alive, Detroit now outshooting Washington 6-4. With 7 seconds left L’esperance drew a penalty. 7 seconds of 4 on 4 then Capitals power play.
Oshie very nearly cashed in on a backhand shot, Wings were able to clear. Detroit killed it off, shots are 7-6 DET in final 90.
Score: 0-0
Shots: 9-6 DET
Second Period:
Sprong’s opening tally
Wings look to have a lot of passing plays on zone entries instead of going to the net and looking for rebounds. Edvinsson kept the puck in the zone, got it to Sprong who went skate to stick and lifted the puck over a sprawling netminder. 1-0 Detroit.
Veleno looks fast and engaged. Still no clue if he’ll end up as part of a deal or work his way up the roster. Is being physical in every zone.
With 12:22 left Ovechkin made a harmless looking pass from the half wall as Backstrom chopped at the puck (possibly deflecting off of Edvinsson’s stick). 1-1.
With 7:34 left Tom Wilson ripped the puck off the faceoff twice. The first went out of play the second went in. Exact same play but Wings weren’t ready for it. 2-1 Wash.
The Caps went to the power play, but 22 seconds in Oshie to the box on a trip. 1:38 of 4 on 4. No score on the abbreviated power play for Detroit.
Edvinsson seems to hesitate on making plays from the blue line. Needs to make quicker decisions, but is finding ways to get open and get the puck to a teammate down low.
Score: 2-1 Wash
Shots: 18-16 DET
Third Period:
Detroit starts third with Cossa in net.
Detroit put Washington back on the power play at 5:22. With just 12 seconds left in the advantage, Sandin shot a wrister from the blue line, looked like it may have caught Wilson’s sticks as Cossa was completely unable to pick up the shot through a well executed double screen by the caps. 3-1 Wash.
With 3:49 left Carlson scored as Wings continually failed to get puck out of the defensive zone. 4-1 Wash.
Fabbri’s 6 on 5 goals
Wings pull the goalie and with 3:04 left Fabbri finally got one back. 4-2 Wash. and then with 1:13 left Fabbri scored again to get within 1. 4-3 Wash. I guess 6 on 5 is a good situation for #14. Washington hangs on for a 4-3 win. Shots 29 apiece.
Shootout is happening regardless of result:
Kuznetsov - missed short side
Fabbri - stopped
Oshie - scores
Sprong - stopped
Neroshnichenko - missed
Compher - scores, roofs on catching glove side
McMichael - scores
Veleno - stopped
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